What should be done immediately after checking for responsiveness in a BLS assessment?

In the context of Basic Life Support (BLS), the first step after checking for responsiveness is to ensure that emergency assistance is called. This is crucial because having additional resources or medical help on the way can significantly impact the patient's outcome. The assessment process involves determining the scene's safety and the patient's condition. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally, calling for help allows trained emergency personnel to provide the necessary advanced care as soon as possible.

Calling for emergency assistance establishes a critical first link in the chain of survival, ensuring that professional help arrives promptly while basic life-saving measures are initiated. Once help is summoned, you can then proceed with further assessments, such as checking for a pulse, and providing chest compressions or rescue breaths as indicated. The order of steps in the BLS algorithm underscores the importance of getting emergency help before focusing solely on the victim.